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Avidly Ravenous

November 10, 2021

What To Eat When You Are Depressed

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Some days it can feel impossible to pull yourself out of bed to do anything, much less slog around in the kitchen. But it is really important, especially when you are in a depressive slump, to nourish your body. These meals for depression are super easy, quick options to get those much needed nutrients into your body. Remember that this is temporary and you will feel better. Meanwhile, you don't have to think too hard, just take a quick look at this list and decide what to eat when you are depressed.

The Easiest

Don't have the energy to heat up food? No problem, these meals are put together with almost no effort and are ready quickly.

Instant Pot Curry Chicken
Check out this recipe
Instant pot honey chicken curry over wild rice with extra curry sauce.
Smoked Salmon Panini with Lemon Dill Mayonnaise • Ready in 10 Minutes
Delicious, satisfying and so quick and easy to make, this smoked salmon panini sandwich makes a terrific gourmet lunch or light dinner.
Check out this recipe
Smoked Salmon Panini with Lemon Dill Mayonnaise • Ready in 10 Minutes
How To Make Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps
This recipe is going to show you How To Make Chicken Caesar Wraps in the easiest way possible. Using various shortcuts, this is a lunch that you will be able to enjoy in under 10.
Check out this recipe
How To Make Easy Chicken Caesar Wraps
Easy Hummus Wraps
These Easy Hummus Wraps are simple, flavorful, and come together in minutes. You can try endless combinations and enjoy these day after day.
Check out this recipe
Easy Hummus Wraps
Three-Ingredient Oreo Ice Cream Cake
You and your family will love how easy and delicious this Three-Ingredient Oreo Ice Cream Cake is! You will be making this all summer long!
Check out this recipe
Three-Ingredient Oreo Ice Cream Cake

Instant Pot

The great thing about an instant pot is the speed at which you can have a meal ready to go. When you are depressed it allows you to make a warm and comforting meal quickly and pretty painlessly. This is the instant pot that I use. (note that I will receive a commission if you purchase one through this link)

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs for a quick weeknight dinner. - Ivy Lillies
Instant Pot Italian Spaghetti and Meatballs all made in one pot. The Instant Pot. Check it out now for an easy weeknight dinner.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs for a quick weeknight dinner. - Ivy Lillies
Instant Pot Garlic Chicken with Paprika and Potatoes (Gluten Free) - Gluten Free Supper
If you’re a fan of homemade instant pot chicken breast recipes, you’ll ove this Instant Pot Garlic Chicken with Paprika and Potatoes recipe!
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Garlic Chicken with Paprika and Potatoes (Gluten Free) - Gluten Free Supper
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken For Tacos
These chicken tacos can be as simple or complicated as you want to make them. Regardless, this instant pot chicken tacos are super easy and surprisingly fast!
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Honey Curry Chicken
This is a super flavorful and but faster to cook adaptation of my mom's honey curry chicken recipe.
Check out this recipe
A close up of honey curry chicken on a pile of cooked wild rice.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Curry Chicken
Check out this recipe
Instant pot honey chicken curry over wild rice with extra curry sauce.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.

Sheet Pan Meals

Sheet pan meals allow you to include a variety of proteins and vegetables that will all end up with a nice roasted flavor. They are also very simple since they are just tossed into the oven and allowed to cook until they are ready to eat!

Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi with Tomatoes and Zucchini - The Short Order Cook
This fast 20-minute easy sheet pan shrimp scampi recipe is the best. The garlic lemon sauce with tomatoes and zucchini completes the meal.
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi with Tomatoes and Zucchini - The Short Order Cook
Vegan Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Vegetables
Vegan Sheet pan gnocchi and vegetables makes a quick 30-minute dinner perfect for easy weeknight meals. This easy Italian gnocchi and roasted vegetables recipe is completely customizable.
Check out this recipe
Vegan Sheet Pan Gnocchi and Vegetables
Sheet Pan Baked Salmon With Veggies
Sheet pan-baked salmon is a clear solution to your seafood cooking hassle. Sheet Pan baked salmon with veggies is a delight to the taste buds.
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Baked Salmon With Veggies
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
This sheet pan lemon garlic chicken has chicken thighs, potatoes, and broccoli in a lemon garlic marinade. It’s a complete meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos
Check out this recipe
A close up of instant pot shredded chicken with taco accessories.

Carb Lovers

This section might be mostly for me. When my mental health is waning I really crave carbs, especially pasta. These dishes are easy, comforting, and laden with carbs.

10-MINUTE CREAM CHEESE PASTA
Delicious cream cheese pasta ready in 10 minutes, anyone? This easy, cheap and cozy pasta makes the perfect midweek lifesaver for your last-minute meal.
Check out this recipe
10-MINUTE CREAM CHEESE PASTA
Pasta with burst cherry tomato sauce
This pasta sauce is packed with flavor, from a balsamic reduction to its roasted garlic and tomato sauce.
Check out this recipe
burst cherry tomato pasta in a bowl.
Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com
Tortellini tossed in a lemon garlic flavored olive oil with fresh basil and parmesan (optional). This is a quick and easy dinner meal idea.
Check out this recipe
Lemony Olive Oil Tortellini Recipe (+VIDEO) | MasalaHerb.com

Nutrient Dense

Though I crave carbs when depressed, there is something to be said for eating a well balanced and nutritious meal. There have been some links between diet and mental health outcomes, though the mechanisms are complex. Read a scientific article about the connections between diet and mental health.

Air Fried Salmon
The easiest way to make perfectly textured salmon. The air fryer keeps the salmon moist while crisping up the skin.
Check out this recipe
Close up of honey Dijon salmon plated with wild rice and a mixed lettuce salad.
Crunchy Kale Parmesan Salad - Easy - Healthy - Lemon - EmilyFabulous
This Crunchy Kale Parmesan Salad is bright and citrusy with lemon juice and olive oil that makes a perfect healthy side dish or meal.
Check out this recipe
Crunchy Kale Parmesan Salad - Easy - Healthy - Lemon - EmilyFabulous
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tacos
Zesty crispy sweet potato tacos, topped with sriracha ranch, red cabbage, and fresh herbs.
Check out this recipe
air fryer sweet potato tacos with cilantro, cabbage, and creamy sriracha on a flower patterned plate.
Easy Red Lentil Dhal
Easy Red Lentil Dahl is a perfect plant based dish - tasty, healthy and ready in under 20 minutes. Red lentils are cooked with spices in this traditional Indian favorite, packed full of protein.
Check out this recipe
Easy Red Lentil Dhal

It's ok to feel your feels or even feel nothing at all sometimes. Take the time you need to recover. Just don't forget to eat when you are depressed!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tacos
Check out this recipe
Two sweet potato tacos with cilantro, cabbage, and seasoned ranch
How to Cook Salmon in the Air Fryer
Check out this recipe
Honey dijon air fryer salmon with wild rice and a mixed greens salad
Keep your belly full, your mind engaged, and your heart open.




Lillian

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